Handmade Holiday Gift Guide

by Abby AlbaumDecember 01, 2017

Seasons Greetings, Friends! I'm super excited to share some of my favorite handmade shops and small businesses with you. By choosing handmade products and shopping small, you can feel good knowing that you're supporting actual artists (vs. buying products that have been mass produced for chain stores). You'll find unique gifts that were created by hand, with love and intention. I would also encourage you to check your area events calendar to find Holiday Markets in your community. Putting your hard earned money back into your local economy is another bonus!

So, without further ado, here are my TOP handmade shops and small businesses, separated by category.

BATH AND BEAUTY

Tropical Sea Sponges I've recently become a huge fan of this company. Amazing soaps and every sea sponge is 100% sustainably hand harvested.

Be Hippy A lifestyle brand that exemplifies a love for live music and the outdoors. Great designs, amazing customer service and quality products!

Dark Cycle Clothing I mean, who wouldn't want a t-shirt of a sloth riding a bike? (That's the one I have and I'm getting the flamingo tank next ;)

Flaming Pearl I have an entire section of my closet for my Flaming Pearl threads. Only thing is... Tamara (the owner) doesn't sell online, so you'll need to make a trip to the Saturday Morning Market in St. Pete to check out her beautiful clothing from Bali. And while you're there, you'll also have the opportunity to shop with more than 200 small businesses (including yours truly... just follow the music and look for my pink and white tent next to the main stage. I can then direct you to a handful of the other vendors featured in this blog, too).

Gypsy JunQue Elke (the creator of Gypsy JunQue and The JunQuelow) is a force to be reckoned with! She has a style of her own and an eye for fashion. From dreamcatchers to jewelry and clothing, this chick does it all.

JEWELRY

Good Vibe Designs A little shameless self promotion here ;) I'm Abby, and I create bohemian jewelry for the free spirit and playful heart and handmade hula hoops. As mentioned, you can regularly find me at the Saturday Morning Market in St. Pete.

Night Gypsy83 I am OBSESSED with this silversmith. Her work is incredible, but she sells out FAST. Follow Jennie on Instagram to be the first to know about her shop updates and new pieces.

Adriana Soto Folk art jewelry and vintage decor. Her designs are so freaking cool, and her prices are unbeatable!

Small Roar Studio Marisa's mandala rings drew me in from the start. If you're looking for high quality, wearable sacred geometry - this is the spot!

WingoStarr Jewelry Mallory Wingo has inspired me for years now. She's one of my favorite jewelry artists and her designs are so bright and colorful. What's not to love?

Wesley Tree of Life Another Florida based biz chick with rad products and good vibes. Wesley creates amazing gemstone tree jewelry. Consider one of her chokers for the hippie chick in your life.

KIDS & PUPS

Hoola Monsters Handcrafted hula hoops are much easier to use than the store bought variety. And from now until Dec 16, you'll receive a FREE DVD with every kids hoop purchase. The DVD features more than 12 kid-friendly tricks and tutorials, along with an adventure story.

Auntie Tree My friend Teresa is just getting her new biz up and running, and she's got the cutest items for kids and pups! You'll definitely want to check out her baby beanies and dog collars.

TRAVEL

Soulshine Charters Ok, so technically this isn't a handmade shop, but it most certainly falls into the Small Business Category. If you're looking for a once-in-a-lifetime vacation for that special someone, consider a sailing charter in the Virgin Islands. Not only will you experience an amazing trip in one of the most beautiful places in the world, you can also feel good knowing that you're helping to rebuild the economy, following Hurricanes Maria and Irma.

Eden's Nectar A brand of honey that is always sold in the region where it is extracted from the hive.

I hope you've found this holiday gift guide helpful! In addition to this list, I also encourage you to browse around ETSY. And if you're a Tampa Bay area local, you'll definitely want to check out Keep St. Petersburg Local and Markets for Makers for upcoming shopping events. Meanwhile, you can find me at the Saturday Morning Market this weekend and the Markets for Makers Holiday Market in Ybor this Sunday.

If you'd be so kind to share and comment, in an effort to help me spread the small business love this holiday season, I would greatly appreciate it.